Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi - 26 cm
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€ 50
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
 | €50 |
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Original official terracotta Mingqi funerary figure of a Chinese Han-dynasty court lady or attendant, standing 26 × 5 × 4 cm, dating to the 2nd–3rd century AD, in good condition and acquired in 2008 from Hong Kong from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Female funerary figure or attendant — China, Eastern Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with engobe remnants and pigment
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries A.D.
26 × 5 × 4 cm approx.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, likely representing a lady or attendant of the funerary entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long robe that falls almost to the base. The arms appear folded in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head is one of its most attractive elements. The face shows a contained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, delicately defined nose, and remnants of pigment on the features, while the hair rises forming a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a fact clearly visible from the bottom opening. The surface retains earthy deposits, remnants of light engobe, and traces of original decoration. It shows wear, erosions, cracks, and surface losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photos.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funeral practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals, and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, C14 testing, lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the piece’s integrity.
Female funerary figure or attendant — China, Eastern Han / Han–Wei period
Terracotta with engobe remnants and pigment
Circa 2nd–3rd centuries A.D.
26 × 5 × 4 cm approx.
Elegant Chinese funerary figure of pronounced vertical stylization, likely representing a lady or attendant of the funerary entourage, modeled standing and dressed in a long robe that falls almost to the base. The arms appear folded in front of the body, creating a closed and solemn composition characteristic of numerous anthropomorphic mingqi made to accompany the deceased in their tomb.
The head is one of its most attractive elements. The face shows a contained and serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, delicately defined nose, and remnants of pigment on the features, while the hair rises forming a prominent headdress. The contrast between the relatively detailed modeling of the face and the geometric austerity of the body gives the piece an especially archaic presence.
It is made of hollow terracotta, a fact clearly visible from the bottom opening. The surface retains earthy deposits, remnants of light engobe, and traces of original decoration. It shows wear, erosions, cracks, and surface losses typical of an archaeological piece of this nature; all these elements should be clearly shown in the lot photos.
Mingqi played an essential role in Chinese funeral practices: they reproduced servants, musicians, soldiers, animals, and other elements of earthly life intended to accompany the deceased symbolically in the afterlife.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, C14 testing, lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the piece’s integrity.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
206AC
Name of object
Court lady / funerary assistant in polychrome terracotta, mingqi
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
26 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
